The 21st-Century Steven Spielberg Rankings. Plus: ‘Office Romance’ and ‘The Furious.’

The Diane Keaton Hall of Fame

Jul 7, 20262h 21mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts dedicate the program to building a Hall of Fame for Diane Keaton, celebrating her legacy as one of the most significant actresses of the New Hollywood era. The conversation explores her incredible career, spanning over half a century, and examines how she cultivated a distinct, iconic persona that blended neurotic charm with aspirational modern womanhood. The hosts analyze Keaton’s unique approach to performance, noting her roots in the Meisner method and her exceptional ability to convey emotion through both comedy and drama. They discuss her key creative partnerships—most notably with Woody Allen, Nancy Myers, and Francis Ford Coppola—and investigate why she remained a constant, recognizable figure in cinema even through later stages of her career. By contrasting her work with contemporaries like Meryl Streep, the hosts highlight Keaton’s preference for contemporary roles and her status as a singular fashion icon whose influence on screen remains unmatched. This episode offers a thoughtful deep dive into the craft, mannerisms, and enduring impact of a screen legend whose career continues to resonate with audiences today.

The 2026 Movie Auction Returns!

Jul 2, 20262h 27mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts reconvene for the second half of their annual movie auction to assess their progress and strategize for the remainder of the year. The conversation kicks off with a look at the upcoming horror slate, specifically discussing the anticipation surrounding Robert Eggers' latest project and its visual similarities to his previous hit, Nosferatu. The hosts debate whether Eggers is beginning to lean into a recognizable aesthetic style, similar to Wes Anderson, and consider the potential risks and rewards of this approach. As the halfway point of the year approaches, the group analyzes their existing portfolios. They evaluate the effectiveness of their previous drafting strategies, highlighting the tension between selecting blockbusters to meet domestic box office thresholds and betting on critical darlings to secure Metacritic scores and Oscar nominations. The discussion touches on the unpredictable nature of film festivals and the strategic importance of release dates. Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on their current slates, navigate the constraints of their remaining budgets, and debate which upcoming films have the potential to meet the performance criteria necessary to win the auction.

The 10 Best Movies of 2026 … So Far

Jun 29, 20262h 42mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts and their guests gather for their annual mid-year ritual to highlight the best films released during the first half of 2026. Taking a break from their regular programming, the team discusses a diverse range of titles that have defined the cinematic landscape so far this year. The discussion kicks off with an analysis of 28 Years Later, where the hosts explore the stylistic transition from Danny Boyle’s original vision to Nia DaCosta’s more intimate, character-driven sequel. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the prevalence of horror films in 2026, with the contributors celebrating the genre’s democratic appeal and its current centrality in popular discourse. Later, the team shifts to the high-stakes world of blockbusters, defending the optimistic, crowd-pleasing nature of Project Hail Mary and the visceral, action-heavy choreography of The Furious. Throughout the episode, the guests provide personal insights on the experience of seeing these films in theaters, debating the lasting impact of big-screen blockbusters and the evolving trends in modern filmmaking. It is a thoughtful, enthusiastic survey of a year that has so far excelled in delivering both intimate dramas and exhilarating spectacle.

The Comic Book Movie Death Rattle and ‘Supergirl.’ Plus: ‘Jackass: Best and Last’ Goes Out With a Bang.

Jun 26, 20261h 23mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts explore the shifting landscape of modern cinema, focusing on the apparent waning dominance of the superhero genre. They discuss the release of Supergirl, analyzing it as a potential symbol of an era coming to an end. The conversation touches on the film’s formulaic structure, its lack of character investment, and concerns regarding its technical execution. Beyond the world of capes and comic books, the hosts dive into a variety of film industry news. They debate the future of the high-profile but currently distributor-less movie about Sam Altman and discuss the optics surrounding A24’s recent partnership with Google for AI-powered filmmaking tools. The discussion also covers the upcoming adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, with the hosts sharing contrasting views on the necessity of reinterpreting classic works. Additionally, the episode features a breakdown of the latest film casting news, including Timothy Chalamet’s move into animation, and a reflection on the latest Academy member invitations. Finally, the hosts pivot to the home release of Jackass, framing it as the conclusion of a significant, decade-spanning cultural phenomenon.

The 2010 Mega-Movie Re-Draft

Jun 23, 20262h 58mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts reunite to conduct their first-ever movie re-draft, revisiting the year 2010. Joined by a panel of recurring contributors, the group reflects on a transitional period in cinema history characterized by the pre-Marvel era and the decline of physical media. The conversation explores the unique movie-going landscape of that year, contrasting individual experiences in cities like New York and Los Angeles with the changing digital landscape of the time. The episode focuses on a structured draft process where participants select films across specific categories: franchise films, original screenplays, comedies, international or animated features, Oscar nominees, blockbusters, and wildcards. Beyond the competitive banter, the hosts discuss the enduring legacy of 2010’s strongest films, such as The Social Network, while analyzing how their perspectives on certain titles have shifted over the last decade. By blending personal anecdotes about college life, early professional struggles, and evolving cinematic tastes, the panelists provide a nostalgic yet critical look at a year defined by both franchise ambition and the search for original storytelling.

‘Toy Story 5’ and the ‘Toy Story’ Movie Rankings. Plus: ‘The Death of Robin Hood’ and the Top Five Robin Hoods.

Jun 19, 20261h 32mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging discussion covering major film industry news and the state of current cinema. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the business complexities surrounding the shifting distribution of Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming biopic of Sam Altman, Artificial, speculating on what the behind-the-scenes corporate maneuvering says about Hollywood’s current relationship with tech and AI. The hosts also touch upon various upcoming projects, including Sean Penn’s planned film about January 6th, the casting of the Oceans franchise prequel, and the career paths of actors like Daniel Kaluuya and Charles Melton. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a critique of the new film The Death of Robin Hood. The hosts express disappointment with the movie, arguing that while it features strong cinematography and intense performances, it fails to meaningfully engage with the Robin Hood mythos. They discuss why audiences crave the iconic imagery associated with folklore figures and why a deconstructive approach that strips away those core elements often feels hollow. Finally, they contrast this with the enduring nature of characters like Batman, whose established iconography remains essential to their cinematic identity.

‘Disclosure Day’ Is Steven Spielberg’s True Believer Manifesto. Kneel!

Jun 12, 20262h 2mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging discussion that kicks off with a celebratory recap of a historic NBA playoff comeback. Before transitioning to cinema, they reflect on the intensity of sports fandom, the unique atmosphere of live games, and how sports can create long-lasting emotional connections for fans across the country. The conversation eventually pivots to the latest movie news, starting with a critique of the new trailer for The Social Reckoning. Comparing it to their shared favorite film, The Social Network, the hosts express skepticism about the project, particularly regarding the focus on corporate systems rather than character-driven narratives. They also discuss the upcoming survival film Whalefall, sharing their anticipation for its horror elements, and highlight the documentary Once Upon a Time in Harlem as a standout project in the current landscape. Finally, the episode covers the Academy’s latest Governors Awards honorees. The hosts analyze the long-awaited recognition for industry icons like Glenn Close and Ridley Scott, sparking a debate on the legacy of overlooked masters in Hollywood and how honorary awards reflect an artist’s career.

Mel at 100: The Mel Brooks Movie Rankings. Plus: ‘Scary Movie’ Is Terrifyingly Awful

Jun 9, 20261h 54mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts celebrate the legendary Mel Brooks as he approaches his 100th birthday. They are joined by guests Yasi Soalk and Adam Naman to reflect on Brooks’s massive influence as a foundational voice in American comedy, exploring how his films—such as Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs—shaped their own comedic sensibilities and remain vital touchstones of 20th-century pop culture. The conversation dives into the mechanics of his satire, his unique approach to parody, and the ways in which his work continues to echo through contemporary cinema. Beyond the tribute to Brooks, the hosts analyze the current, unpredictable state of the box office. They discuss the unexpected success of films like Obsession, comparing its cultural impact to a phenomenon rather than a traditional release. Conversely, they share a critical take on the latest installment of the Scary Movie franchise, lamenting that while the brand remains highly marketable, the humor feels dated and out of touch with modern audiences. The episode offers a deep dive into the business of movies, the evolution of comedy, and the enduring power of classic filmmakers.

The Top 10 Fantasy Films, The Toy Movie Hall of Fame, and ‘Masters of the Universe,’ with Griffin Newman!

Jun 5, 20262h 23mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, host Sean Fennessey is joined by Griffin Newman of the Blank Check podcast for a deep dive into the state of the movie industry and the complex legacy of Masters of the Universe. The conversation begins with a fascination regarding current box office anomalies, specifically analyzing how certain horror films are defying traditional distribution and marketing metrics through organic word-of-mouth growth. Fennessey and Newman compare these modern hits to historical phenomena like The Sixth Sense and Paranormal Activity, exploring why some films achieve cult status while others fail to resonate. The discussion then shifts to the history of the He-Man franchise, which the pair characterizes as a fascinating product of 1980s corporate desperation. They detail how the toy line was originally constructed as a haphazard collection of various fantasy and sci-fi tropes to compete with Star Wars. Newman explains how the lack of a cohesive initial vision—stemming from a fragmented development process between toy manufacturers, comic writers, and cartoon animators—has created significant challenges for modern filmmakers attempting to adapt the property into a blockbuster movie.

We’re So Back for Good: ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Mania and 10 Movies We Missed!

Jun 2, 20261h 58mSummary

In this episode of The Big Picture, the hosts explore the remarkable resurgence of theatrical moviegoing, anchored by the unexpected box office dominance of two breakout horror hits: Backrooms and Obsession. The discussion highlights how these films, driven by massive word-of-mouth and genuine audience excitement, have revitalized the cinema experience despite underperformance from larger, traditional franchise tentpoles. The hosts analyze the shifting cultural landscape of movie consumption, debating whether these successes represent a permanent pivot away from streaming-first strategies toward event-based theatrical releases. Beyond the box office data, the episode delves into the importance of nurturing young filmmaking talent. By looking at the careers of rising directors alongside legendary filmmakers, the hosts examine the challenges of bridging the gap between legacy studio executives and the next generation of creative voices. Additionally, the conversation covers the current state of horror as a genre at the center of pop culture, while providing recommendations for ten notable new releases that may have been overlooked during the busy summer season. It is a thoughtful look at how audience behavior is evolving and what it truly takes for a movie to become a cultural phenomenon.